In Ieper (Ypres) today there are two great memorials to the fallen of the First World War, perhaps the best known of which is the Menin Gate. St George’s however, is of equal importance in regards to perpetual remembrance and is an active, vibrant church serving the local community and thousands of annual visitors.

In Ieper (Ypres) today there are two great memorials to the fallen of the First World War, perhaps the best known of which is the Menin Gate. St George’s however can be viewed with equal importance in regards to perpetual remembrance.

Join us to support and keep up to date with all that is happening at St George’s and helping to promote interest in this unique church. The Friends have been in existence for almost 60 years, co-operating with other organisations in Belgium and the UK for the benefit of the church and making grants for specific projects.

You will receive two newsletters per year, discounted rates on our Annual Pilgrimage to the Salient and knowledge that you are helping maintain that all important link between the Church and the wider world. Membership starts at £10 per year for individuals/families and £20 per year for associations and corporate bodies.

Our Annual Five Day Pilgrimage is being planned for 2019. This will take place from in late April or early May This has proven to be a moving trip for all those who have taken part in previous years. More details will be circulated with our November newsletter

Friends of St George's

The Friends of St George's

The Charity of the Friends of St George's was formed in 1955 to support the Church and Ypres British Settlement. The Church and the Settlement were the centre of both the spiritual and social life of the British community, the great majority of whom consisted of the gardeners employed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

President: The Right Rev. Robert Innes. The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe

Vice-President: The Lord Astor of Hever, DL

Chairman: Sir Edward Crofton, Bt

Vice-Chairman: Dr D.F. Gallagher

Hon. Treasurer: Mr W.L. Leetham

Hon.Secretary: Mr M.A. McKeon

Membership Secretary: Miss E. Speare

The Objects of The Friends are to promote interest in the life and work of St. George’s Church, to provide a link between members in the UK and the church community in Ypres, to co-operate with other bodies such as the Royal British Legion and Commonwealth War Graves Commission for the benefit of the church, and to help in the maintenance of the church fabric and the life of St. George’s. In recent years The Friends have supported projects which have included:

Specialist cleaning of the magnificent stained glass windows

Purchase of a Chaplaincy House

Restoration of the Colours, Standards and Banners hanging in the church

Redecoration of the interior walls

Updating the sound system within the church

Replacing the external iron railings

Refurbishment of the Church Hall

Click on the Become Our Friend link below, and we will be in touch with details of how to join The Friends. You may also download the membership forms if you prefer